OBITUARY: Rolf Hermann Christian Durang, 1951-2018

Rolf
Hermann Christian Durang1951
– 2018

Rolf
Durang died peacefully after a long battle with cancer on December 7,
2018 at Sea View Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Eureka. We
lay to rest a friend to many, upriver and downriver. His impact on
all of us will not be forgotten.

Rolf
was born in Celle, Germany on March 4, 1951. Many described him as a
free spirit, independent thinker, unconventional. He was grew up in
the late ‘60s, undergoing the counterculture movement that much of
the world was experiencing. He lived by his own rules.

He traveled
the world, coming from Germany, choosing Orleans as his home with
his wife Poppy, whom he described as the love of his life. Both of
them started working on organic farms in the area and loved living
off the land. Rolf enjoyed good novels, reggae music, dancing,
playing in local pool tournaments, cutting firewood and Sierra Nevada
beer. He respected all people of this area and had friends from all
walks of life.

Rolf’s
welcoming smile and laughter were infectious. He valued and
appreciated every moment and the simple things in life. He lived the
life he wanted to live with no strings, no attachments. While he
was often on the move, and living from job to job, he felt to be the
richest man in the world, as he had his friends, his community, the
rivers, and mountains he loved. Even in his own times of prosperity,
he would give everything he had to those in need.

He
developed patience from fishing. It was his passion and he found
peace from spending hours on the river. He enjoyed mastering his
skills and the thrill that laid in the challenge. He loved to spend
time landing the big one, but to him it was an immeasurable life
lesson that everyone needed to experience.

Rolf
was extremely self-reliant. All he needed were the clothes on
his back, a good book and his cigarettes. He could hitchhike from
one river community to the next, fishing along the way, giving
to the home he stayed with at during dinner time. His visits were
welcomed surprises, filled with good food and storytelling.

Rolf
was a highly respected mason by trade who knew the “true” meaning
of plume, flush and level. His common materials for construction
were all types of river rocks that he meticulously handpicked and
collected for building welcome signs, walkways, stairs, planters,
retaining walls, fireplaces, stove ovens and fire pits. He worked
like an ox, stronger than most people half his age. His artistry and
workmanship are cherished by many between Willow Creek and the Salmon
River.

Rolf’s
connection to our river community was his strength and of most
importance. He cared about the land and volunteered to help with
youth fishing derbies, and always advocated for river restoration. He
brought people together, expanding our bond. Those relationships will
continue and remain strong even after his passing.

Rolf
is preceded in death by his wife Elodie Grace (Poppy) Durang, his
father, Horst Durang, and his mother, Christa Reimers. He is survived
by his two sisters, Elske Othmer of Hannover, Germany and Maike
Fingerhut of Mannheim, Germany.

We
would like to especially thank the Karuk Tribe, and the staff from
Resolution Care, Hospice of Humboldt and Sea View Rehabilitation and
Wellness Center for their loving care during Rolf’s battle with
cancer.

Rolf
Durang’s funeral service was held on December 11, 2018 in Orleans. In mid-January 2019, the Orleans community will host a
“Celebration of Life” memorial that will honor Rolf’s amazing
life journey. All are welcome, and additional information about this
river community gathering will be posted soon.

Until
we meet again, “Herr Landsman” (fellow
countryman and friend). You will be
truly missed by all and will remain in
the hearts of everyone along the Klamath, Trinity and Salmon River
watersheds. We wish you well on your next journey and we thank you
for enhancing our lives.

“My
soul stretched wide its wings, and flew through the quiet lands, as
if going home” (R. Durang)

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf Rolf Durang’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.